ENGLISH FOR SPEAKERS OF OTHER LANGUAGES IN LEICESTER

That this House celebrates the work of institutions such as Leicester College serving the communities of Leicester by running English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) courses; recognises that a third of Leicester East's population was born outside the UK; values the contribution these immigrants make to a vibrant and diverse Leicester; notes that all Leicester College ESOL students who receive funding are either British citizens or those with indefinite leave to remain; is concerned that the Government's funding cuts to ESOL mean that up to 70 per cent. of Leicester College ESOL students who want to learn English will not be able to do so due to financial constraints, the majority of whom are women or those with low skills and low wages; believes that this would be a huge disservice to Leicester's communities; and calls on the Government to maintain current levels of funding for the vital service that is ESOL.